Note: Settled by 9th millennium BCE; in crossroads, was home to many early cultures including Pontic Tardenosian, Thracian-Cimmerian (1850 BCE), Cimmerian (1300 BCE), Scythian (670 BCE), and Sarmatian; settled by Ukrainians and Ruthenians 6th century CE; part of USSR from 1922; official language is Ukrainian.